20/06/2025
The 5 Most Beautiful Villages Near Villajoyosa
With its colourful houses, fortress church, bridge and ancient walls, Villajoyosa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its charm is magnified by the stunning natural landscapes surrounding the town: picture-perfect coves, white sandy beaches and Mediterranean forests that invite you to stroll — or even get delightfully lost — at any time of year.
But just beyond Villajoyosa, the province of Alicante is home to countless small villages that rival ours in beauty and charm. That’s why we’re sharing with you a tour of the 5 prettiest villages very close to Villajoyosa. Are you ready to discover them?
5. Altea
If Villajoyosa is famous for its brightly coloured façades, Altea is known for its pure whitewashed walls that cover every corner of this charming fishing village. Just 20 kilometres north, Altea is perfect for an evening stroll, when its old town, crowned by the iconic blue dome of the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, comes alive with the hustle and bustle of visitors exploring its restaurants, artisan shops and Mediterranean fashion boutiques.
Altea offers endless photogenic spots, from cobbled streets to viewpoints overlooking the sea. The village itself sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the bay, flanked on one end by the unmistakable silhouette of the Peñón de Ifach and on the other by Benidorm’s skyline. We’re sure you’ll fall in love with this inspiring place. Don’t miss it!
4. Relleu
Heading inland, just 17 kilometres from the centre of Villajoyosa, lies Relleu — a classic inland Alicante village with Moorish origins and narrow winding streets. A visit to its old town, which still preserves traces of its splendid past, is the perfect excuse to sample local specialities, from mountain sausages to traditional breads, cocas and sweet treats.
But the main attraction is the breathtaking walkway suspended high above the gorge near the reservoir. This recently opened path, entirely hanging over the void, offers an unforgettable experience — a little heart-stopping, perhaps, but well worth it for the spectacular views of this unique natural setting.
3. Guadalest
Guadalest is one of the jewels of inland Alicante, just 30 kilometres from Villajoyosa. It’s hard to believe such dramatically different scenery is so close by, making it possible to enjoy both the sea and the turquoise waters of Guadalest’s famous reservoir all in the same day.
But this medieval village offers more than just its spectacular reservoir. The historic centre is packed with museums, monuments and a lively atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors all year round. And rightly so — Guadalest is without doubt one of Spain’s most beautiful villages.
If there’s a perfect time to visit, it’s during the August festivals. Around 15 August, the village dresses up in its finest, and its streets are draped with a sea of colourful flags in honour of its patron saint. A wonderful opportunity to relive the traditional summer street parties of yesteryear!
2. Polop de la Marina
Halfway between Villajoyosa and Guadalest, Polop de la Marina makes the ideal stop at the gateway to Alicante’s mountains. Perched on a hill, its unmistakable silhouette is dominated by the castle at its highest point. The church and its streets lined with historic manor houses are also picturesque spots where you can mingle with the locals and soak up the relaxed way of life where sea and countryside meet.
But Polop’s true gem is the Fuente de los Chorros — a fountain with one spout for every village in the province, each represented by its coat of arms. For decades, locals have made pilgrimages to collect the fresh mountain water, which remains cool even in summer. You’ll hear the gentle trickle of the fountain echoing through the village!
1. Benissa
About 40 kilometres from Villajoyosa lies Benissa, another of the area’s most beautiful villages. Benissa is wonderfully versatile — its historic centre lies inland, while its four-kilometre ecological coastal walk links one beautiful cove to the next.
You don’t have to choose between the two: in fact, we can’t think of a better day out than exploring Benissa’s pine-fringed beaches followed by a refreshing horchata in its old town, where you can visit the majestic basilica and discover narrow streets dotted with grand historic houses. Had you heard of this hidden gem?
The coast of Alicante province offers countless ways to enjoy its towns and landscapes, but we're clear on this: nothing beats setting up your base camp in Villajoyosa, the historic capital of the Marina Baixa, and taking time to enjoy the sea and the best excursions just a short distance away. This year... We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Montíboli Hotel!
